The best walks and hikes around Ashkirk Loch

Yes, the area around Ashkirk Loch is generally great for walking with dogs. The varied landscape of rolling hills and woodland paths offers plenty of space for them to explore. However, you will be walking through areas with active farmland and potential ground-nesting birds, so it's essential to keep your dog under control, and on a lead where required, especially during lambing season (typically spring) and bird nesting season (March to July).

Parking in Ashkirk village is limited, so it's best to plan ahead. Some routes, like those starting directly from the village, rely on on-street parking which can be scarce. For specific trails, it's wise to check the starting point details on komoot. For example, some trailheads like the one for the Headshaw Loch and Thief Road loop may have small, informal parking areas nearby.

Absolutely. For a gentle and pleasant walk that's suitable for most family members, the Woll Burn loop from Ashkirk is an excellent choice. It's a relatively short walk of about 3.1 miles (5 km) that provides a lovely introduction to the local scenery without any strenuous climbs.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the classic Scottish Borders scenery, with its mix of rolling hills, quiet lochs, and peaceful woodlands. The variety of trails, from gentle strolls to more challenging ascents, is also frequently mentioned as a major plus.

There is a wide selection of routes to explore, with over 60 hiking trails mapped on komoot around Ashkirk Loch. These range from easy strolls to more demanding moderate hikes, ensuring there's a suitable option for various fitness and experience levels.

Yes, the Borders Abbeys Way, a long-distance path, passes through the area. You can hike the section from Ashkirk to the nearby town of Selkirk. This part of the trail is a moderate walk of about 7 miles (11 km) and offers excellent views over the Ettrick Valley as it traverses a mix of paths and forest tracks.

While the immediate Ashkirk Loch trails are more focused on hills and lochs, a short drive will take you to some beautiful waterfalls. Wolfcleuch Waterfall in Craik Forest is a stunning local spot. The path to it can sometimes be affected by forestry work or fallen trees, so it's best for those who don't mind a bit of an adventure to reach the viewpoint.

The diverse habitats around Ashkirk Loch support a variety of wildlife. In the woodlands, you might spot native trees like birch and pine, and hear birds such as siskin and crossbills. The lochs and wetlands attract species like reed bunting and curlew, while on the open moorlands, you might see skylarks. Keep an eye on the sky for birds of prey like buzzards soaring overhead.

Ashkirk is a small village, so options for food and drink are limited. It's best to check for any local pubs or cafes in Ashkirk or plan to visit the nearby town of Selkirk, which has a wider range of pubs, cafes, and restaurants to relax in after your walk.

For some of the best panoramic views in the area, the Drinkstone Hill Trig Point – Woo Law loop from Ashkirk is a fantastic choice. This moderate hike involves some climbing, but your effort is rewarded with broad, sweeping vistas over the surrounding Borders countryside from the high ground.

If you're seeking a substantial walk, consider the Alton Loch and Leahead Loch loop. At over 11 miles (17.8 km), this moderate hike takes you through varied terrain, offering a rewarding day out for experienced hikers looking to cover more ground.